Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre co-ordinator Shamima Ali yesterday said women often did not want to end their relationship but would want the violence to stop.

“They often found themselves stuck in a cycle of violence that could often end in a violent death or severe disability if no intervention happened to change the violent man’s attitudes and behaviour–or if she does not leave,” Ms Ali said.

Speaking to the 22 participants of the Executive Regional Police Training at Sofitel in Nadi, Ali gave a deeper understanding into the reasons why women would not leave violent relationships.

She said women who returned to their violent husbands or partners were often criticised for their decision.

“We need to understand the whole stack of reasons why they go back or drop complaints, ranging from a lack of self-esteem, belief in the sanctity of marriage vows and financial security and dependence – all stemming from the unequal power relations between women and men,” Ms Ali said.

The in-depth debates among the participants were encouraged by Ms Ali to unpack the reasons behind women not leaving despite the violent situation they were stuck in.

Source: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre